Recall Effort Vowed Against Brighton School Board PresidentRecall Effort Vowed Against Brighton School Board President

4/8/14 - The subject of the Brighton Board of Education meeting two weeks ago – when the teachers’ union president corrected the board president on a matter of parliamentary procedure - came up for discussion at Monday night’s meeting. At the March 24 meeting, Brighton Education Association President Ellen Lafferty spoke out, without being called upon, alleging that a “call the question” motion required a board vote. Board President Nick Fiani said that she spoke out of turn and was incorrect in her assertion. He later threatened to have a police officer at future meetings if Lafferty continued to speak out of turn or be disruptive. In checking later with the district’s legal firm, Fiani was informed that since there was no “second”, a vote on whether to end debate on the issue at hand was not required. Lafferty acknowledged that at the public comments portion of last night’s meeting, but maintained that Fiani’s handling of the matter was, a she put it, “over the top.” Fiani again alleged that Lafferty was “out of order,” and “disruptive” at meetings when WHMI spoke with him following the meeting Monday. In addition, Fiani contends Lafferty is stirring up dissension as a prelude to union negotiations, with the BEA contract set to expire this summer. Fiani said that he and the board "will not be intimidated” by Lafferty and the BEA. Fiani was also the object of criticism by other members of the public at the meeting. Retired Brighton teacher Millie Quinn claims Fiani is using his position as a “stepping stone” for political office. Fiani is a Republican candidate for the 42nd District in the state House of Representatives. Quinn said that petitions are being circulated demanding his resignation from the board. She said the goal is to garner 2,500 signatures and file the petitions on April 22. (TT)